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Installing an air source heat pump is a great way to lower your home’s environmental impact and reduce your energy bills by up to £166 per year. In this article, we will answer the question: “How does an air source heat pump work?” and walk you through the advantages and disadvantages, efficiency rates, and costs of this energy system.
If, by the end of this article, you find yourself still wondering whether air source heating is the right choice for your home, you should consult a reliable professional who can offer you tailored advice. However, finding someone you can trust on your own can be overwhelming.
Fortunately, we’re here to help you avoid any unnecessary stress. Simply fill in our 30-second form and we’ll connect you with up to 4 air source heat pump installers vetted by us. They will reach out to you with free, non-binding quotes for their services. This way, you can find the professional you want to work with and secure the best deal for your home at the same time!
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Air source heat pumps (also known as ASHPs) are a low-carbon technology that provides efficient heating and cooling solutions. In the case of air to water heat pumps, they also attend to your hot water supply, whereas air to air heat pumps only provide warmth and cooling via a fan ventilation system.
Air source heat pumps work by absorbing heat from the outside air using refrigerant gas. The heat is then compressed and transferred inside via a heat exchanger. In cooling mode, the process is reversed to provide cool air in your home.
When it comes to air to water heat pumps, heat is extracted from the outside air and used to warm up water in a storage tank. This warm water is then transferred to your radiators or underfloor heating, as well as your taps.
The primary benefits of an air source heat pump include:
Before investing in one, it’s crucial to carefully weigh the pros and cons of air source heat pumps. Below you can find the primary advantages and disadvantages of this kind of energy system:
There are two types of air source heat pumps. The main distinction between the two lies in how they distribute their heat: through air or water. There are also hybrid heat pumps, which combine a heat pump and a gas boiler for consistent heating and hot water supply.
Air to air heat pumps absorb heat from the air outside and transfer it directly into your home usually via a ventilation fan system.
These heat pumps use significantly less energy than conventional heating systems and can conveniently switch from heating to cooling. They are sustainable, efficient, and affordable, with costs ranging from £2,400 – £8,800 for a full installation.
While air to air pumps excel at cooling and cost-effectiveness, air to water heat pumps provide a more comprehensive heating solution. They take heat from the outside air to warm up water which is then transferred to radiators, underfloor heating, and taps.
On average, an air to water heat pump costs between £8,750–£14,050, including installation. Even though it’s more expensive than air to air heat pumps, it’s a more complex energy system. The heat it produces can be used for both central heating and domestic hot water if combined with a hot water storage tank.
Hybrid heat pumps are ideal if your household has high heating demands. They combine a gas boiler with an air source heat pump to ensure that you can enjoy consistent heating and hot water, as well as cooling.
In terms of cost, hybrid heat pumps are the most expensive option, as you need to account for both a heat pump and a boiler. As an estimate, they can cost anywhere from £10,250 to £18,550.
Interested in one of these heat pumps but no clue how to proceed with the installation process? We’re here to help. We work with a broad network of reputable specialists and can put you in touch with 4 of them in no time. All you need to do is fill in our 30-second form and they’ll get back to you with free, no-obligation quotes. Click below to start looking for the right installer today!
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Heat pump efficiency is measured through the Coefficient of Performance (CoP), which can range from 1.5 to 4.5. Air source heat pumps generally have a CoP of up to 4.
Efficient air source heat pump performance can also be indicated in percentages. Below you can find an overview of the efficiency rates of different types of heat pumps:
Heat Pump Type | Efficiency (%) |
---|---|
Air to air heat pump | 300% |
Air to water heat pump | 200% – 400% |
An air source heat pump installation can cost anywhere between £2,400 – £14,050. Air source heat pump cost varies per air to air heat pumps, which are around £2,400 – £8,800, and air to water heat pumps, which cost anywhere between £8,750 – £14,050.
ASHP System Type | Estimated Cost (Including Installation) | Estimated Yearly Savings |
---|---|---|
Air to water heat pump | £8,750 – £14,050 | £45 – £440 |
Air to air heat pump | £2,400 – £8,800 | £750 – £950 |
When it comes to the running costs of ASHPs, these will vary depending on the size of your home, your energy demands, and how well your house is insulated. For an overview of the estimated annual running costs of this energy system, you can consult the table below:
Heat Pump Type | 1 Bedroom | 2-3 Bedrooms | 4+ Bedrooms |
---|---|---|---|
Air to air | £650 – £850 | £750 – £950 | £850 – £1,050 |
Air to water | £585 – £685 | £900 – £1,045 | £1,325 – £1,550 |
As you can see, purchasing an air source heat pump is a significant investment. Fortunately, there are some heat pump grants available in the UK. One of the main ones is the Boiler Upgrade Scheme, which offers up to £7,500 to eligible homeowners looking to install a heat pump.
An air source heat pump can be a great addition to your home if you’re looking to reduce your carbon emissions and your yearly energy bills.
Compared to gas boilers, an ASHP allows you to reduce your carbon emissions by 1,650kg per year. That’s equivalent to driving 6,800km with a car running on gasoline. Additionally, once you install such an energy system, you can expect savings of up to £440 per year on your energy bills.
While these benefits can seem attractive, the high installation costs of an ASHP, ranging from £2,400 to £14,050, can be quite off putting. Fortunately, grants such as the Boiler Upgrade Scheme can lessen the blow to your bank account. By applying, you can receive up to £7,500 to install an ASHP.
To ensure that you’re not overspending on your air source heat pump installation, you will need to compare the labour costs of several different installers. Yet, doing this on your own can take hours or even days of gruelling research. Fortunately, we’ve done the hard work for you and can connect you with up to 4 local installers in no time.
Just fill in our 30-second form and we’ll have the installers reach out to you with free, non-binding quotes.
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Yes, air source heat pumps are worth it. They can reduce your home’s carbon emissions by 1,650kg in comparison to gas boilers and they can offer savings of up to £166 on your annual energy bills, to name but a few of their advantages.
Yes, air source heat pumps can save you up to £166 compared to traditional heating systems. Exactly how much you can save with an air source heat pump depends on its efficiency levels and your energy consumption habits.
The running costs of air source heat pumps can range from £731 – £1,793 a year and they largely depend on the system size and current gas prices. Your running costs will also vary based on the type of air source heat pump you have.
You can expect to pay anywhere between £2,400 – £14,050 for an air source heat pump, including installation costs. However, exactly how much you’ll spend depends on whether you’re installing an air to air heat pump, which tends to be cheaper, or an air to water heat pump, which is more expensive.
Air source heat pumps can still provide heating during the winter months in the UK. However, one of the disadvantages of air source heat pumps is that their efficiency may decrease in temperatures below 0°C, as they rely on heat from the outside air to warm up your home.
Valli has been writing well researched articles about renewable energy, sustainability and green technologies for GreenMatch since 2017. Her work has been published in various media such as Entrepreneur, Business Insider, Canadian Geographic, uSwitch, and eCycle.